Third Generation F-Body Message Boards - Body https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications. en Tue, 19 May 2026 19:47:55 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Third Generation F-Body Message Boards - Body https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ What am I missing rear hatch 91 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794935-what-am-i-missing.html Tue, 19 May 2026 16:17:58 GMT Hi , got the car completely in bits , now 90 percent done . .
I've the later 91 catch pull down mech , and as you can see the top spring is broken . Is this to assist popping the hatch .?
Hatch release button .. connects too solenoid / motor to open catch ..?? I have the version catch in lower image , with the cable key release , so where's the motor/ solenoid to remote open the catch ???
Appreciate ya help




]]> Body Bradsdad https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794935-what-am-i-missing.html What am I missing rear hatch 91 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794934-what-am-i-missing.html Tue, 19 May 2026 16:10:16 GMT Hi , got the car completely in bits , now 90 percent done . .
I've the later 91 catch pull down mech , and as you can see the top spring is broken . Is this to assist popping the hatch .?
Hatch release button .. connects too solenoid / motor to open catch ..?? I have the version catch in lower image , with the cable key release , so where's the motor/ solenoid to remote open the catch ???
Appreciate ya help




]]> Body Bradsdad https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794934-what-am-i-missing.html Warning! Taillights may pop out! https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794933-warning-taillights-may-pop.html Tue, 19 May 2026 16:01:32 GMT I have a 22,000 mi GTA and I noticed a squeak in the back. I assumed it was the hatch squeaking but to my surprise it was actually the tail lights are falling out. The reason for this is the plastic... I have a 22,000 mi GTA and I noticed a squeak in the back. I assumed it was the hatch squeaking but to my surprise it was actually the tail lights are falling out. The reason for this is the plastic bolts that hold the tail lights in place disintegrate. I tried to tighten one and it fell apart in my hands and other ones were missing. These Wing nuts are pretty expensive to replace ($30US per light) and I wanted to let everyone know that I found good replacements that are handmade on Amazon for $10. I tried them and they work very well and fit nicely.https://a.co/d/0fcWuaFq I put a review up there but it's not showing as of this post. I got the much quicker than expected they came within 3 business days even though Amazon told me it would be weeks.

I mention this to everyone as you may not know that your tail lights are having this issue. My car is pristine and has been well cared for yet it has this problem so if you've never replaced these you should probably look into it and see what condition yours are in. I believe these plastic wing nuts just disintegrate over an age. Everyone will be affected.
]]> Body IMissMy86TA https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794933-warning-taillights-may-pop.html <![CDATA[88 Firebird - Rear bumper 'inserts' removal]]> https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794893-88-firebird-rear-bumper.html Thu, 14 May 2026 17:53:26 GMT Hi all,

It's been a long while since I've posted, but still have the third-gen! Getting back into the F-body (third gen) world and starting on some body items. Years ago, I had the car resprayed (white) and the shop sprayed directly over the entire car, blasting the door handles, and the entire bumper covers, including the black (rubber?) 'inserts'. I wanted to see how I can remove these and get them back to black. I was starting with the rear bumper as I may just swap the front bumper entirely for a new one/style.

For the rear bumper cover, do I have to remove it entirely to get those black inserts off? Watching the video linked below, it appears they are bolted or snapped in and I will require full removal of the bumper cover. Does this sound correct, or is there a way to pop them out without removing the entire bumper?


I hope everyone has been doing well! Interested to see who is still around. Thank you all in advance. ]]> Body Ghettobird52 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794893-88-firebird-rear-bumper.html Most Correct Headlight Replacments https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794884-most-correct-headlight-replacments.html Wed, 13 May 2026 20:57:34 GMT Hello everybody! The headlights on my 1990 Trans Am GTA are about as bright as candles at this point, so I think it’s finally time for a replacement. I’m not sure if they’re still the original... Hello everybody!

The headlights on my 1990 Trans Am GTA are about as bright as candles at this point, so I think it’s finally time for a replacement. I’m not sure if they’re still the original sealed beams, but the car only has 77,000 km (47,845 miles), so it’s possible.

The obvious route would be to grab a new set of Wagner or Sylvania sealed beams, but I’m pretty detail-oriented and trying to see if there’s a more legitimate “OEM” option out there. I’ve seen NOS ACDelco 6054 sealed beams for sale, but the prices are pretty steep, and honestly, I’m a little concerned about how well they’d actually perform after all these years.

Does anyone know if OEM sealed beams from a final-model-year Chevrolet Express would fit and work properly in these cars?

I’d like to make a decision soon, so I’d love to hear your thoughts — whether it’s worth hunting down an OEM-style solution or if I should just bite the bullet and go with a fresh set of Wagners or Sylvanias.

Thanks. ]]> Body 2023CivicSi https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794884-most-correct-headlight-replacments.html Formula bulge hood aerodynamics https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794865-formula-bulge-hood-aerodynamics.html Mon, 11 May 2026 20:13:13 GMT I've seen a lot of mixed opinions on whether the formula bulge generates positive or negative pressure at the opening, so I wanted to settle it. Yes, the air speeds up over the top of the bumper and hood generating a low pressure zone over the bulk of it, BUT when that fast moving air slams into the base of the windshield it compresses into a high pressure zone (or at least higher than the pressure inside your engine bay), which pushes air into the opening. That's why GM made it a functional intake on some trims. Anecdotally I would also guess it generates a vortex behind the bulge which helps prevent viscous shear forces from pulling air out of the opening.
To prove this, here is a cfd I ran. Yes it's a Camaro because I ran it for a different project but it's close enough to show the high pressure zone at the base of the windshield.
I also used the old school technique of taping a bunch of string to my car. The string follows the path of the air so you can actually see the air getting sucked into it. Here's a link to a slow motion video of it on my channel too. https://youtu.be/nU0nbamwWYY



]]> Body Lost_Arts https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794865-formula-bulge-hood-aerodynamics.html <![CDATA[Replacement 'nuts' for turn signals]]> https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794861-replacement-nuts-turn-signals.html Mon, 11 May 2026 00:38:08 GMT Just wanted to share. I came across this a couple of weeks ago, and had them printed by an online service in PETG (60% infill) to replace the missing oval nuts that hold the front turn signals in on... Just wanted to share. I came across this a couple of weeks ago, and had them printed by an online service in PETG (60% infill) to replace the missing oval nuts that hold the front turn signals in on the Firebird. Mine were completely gone. Mounted with the same 7mm screw they used everywhere else. I ordered 6 so I'd have extras, and still ended up paying more in shipping than production. Cost me around $20 for all of it.

https://www.printables.com/model/539...amp-nut-/files

]]> Body pirateofms https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794861-replacement-nuts-turn-signals.html Front headlight and turn signal Position https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794858-front-headlight-turn-signal.html Sun, 10 May 2026 18:03:12 GMT I just painted my headlight cowl since I had it off to do a gear replacement on the motors. The car a 1988 Formula was originally red and repainted Maroon (Yuck!) I noticed the headlights and the... I just painted my headlight cowl since I had it off to do a gear replacement on the motors. The car a 1988 Formula was originally red and repainted Maroon (Yuck!) I noticed the headlights and the turn signal rested on the front bumper by an 1/8 inch. Which is also evident in the red paint line. Should the lights rest on the bumper cover when closed and also the turn signal by the same amount or should they be behind the bumper cover?

Still waiting on Safelite to replace the windshield. Car sat for 18 years.

Thanks in advance,

Dan


]]> Body DigitalDan3 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794858-front-headlight-turn-signal.html 1985 sport coupe/Berlinetta grille https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794835-1985-sport-coupe-berlinetta.html Fri, 08 May 2026 18:20:00 GMT It seems that I am looking for a unicorn, I am looking for a grille for my 1985 sports coupe I believe the GM part number is 14076051. Does anyone have one for sale or is making them on a 3d... It seems that I am looking for a unicorn, I am looking for a grille for my 1985 sports coupe I believe the GM part number is 14076051. Does anyone have one for sale or is making them on a 3d printer? Thanks ]]> Body meatball https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794835-1985-sport-coupe-berlinetta.html Replacement Hood-OER https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794830-replacement-hood-oer.html Thu, 07 May 2026 14:20:55 GMT I didn't see this topic covered. Does anyone have any experience and feedback with an aftermarket OER hood?

https://www.oerparts.com/product/1668008.html



]]> Body not4show https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794830-replacement-hood-oer.html How to paint zinc plated lower door hinged https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794829-how-paint-zinc-plated.html Thu, 07 May 2026 14:20:14 GMT Image: Got these lower hinges from Hawks and want them to match the rest of the door hinge parts. I have epoxy primer I have been using for everything to get a solid baseline. I figure that...

Got these lower hinges from Hawks and want them to match the rest of the door hinge parts. I have epoxy primer I have been using for everything to get a solid baseline. I figure that won't stick well without the zinc being treated first. Can I just sand with 120, acid etch with zinc phosphate (rust converter), and prime away? Never painted a zinc plated part before.
]]> Body dennisbernal91z https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794829-how-paint-zinc-plated.html 1991 Firebird Hatch Lock https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794818-1991-firebird-hatch-lock.html Wed, 06 May 2026 12:35:33 GMT I need to fix the lock for the trunk of my car, but I'm unsure which kit to buy because apparently there was a mid-year change during 1991. How do I tell the difference? ]]> Body hot_rod_rocker https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794818-1991-firebird-hatch-lock.html Hatch Power Hatch Locker https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794795-hatch-power-hatch-locker.html Sat, 02 May 2026 15:07:00 GMT A friend has a 1988 Firebird with this option. Yesterday I explored why the hatch would not activate to lock the hatch. After removing the necessary plastic upholstery, I checked out the assembly.... A friend has a 1988 Firebird with this option. Yesterday I explored why the hatch would not activate to lock the hatch.
After removing the necessary plastic upholstery, I checked out the assembly. It appears that the plastic "shims" just
plain rotted/warn away. Pieces in the bottom of truck.
The latch will not activate unless i pull the lit to towards me. Th heavy bristles will hold the latch in position.
I do that & hatch will lock closed.
Anyone have a solution for replacement "shims"? ]]> Body 72buickgs https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794795-hatch-power-hatch-locker.html My Garage paint job. https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794770-my-garage-paint-job.html Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:45:24 GMT So I had a "small" rust bubble on the wheel well lip and decided to fix it. Long story short, it wasn't "Tiny" and I went down the rabbit hole and ended up doing some paint touch ups in addition to the repair. I went with real Base coat, not a rattle can and 2K clear. Built a hack spray Booth out of my garage with fan exhaust extraction. Color is 81U bright red. For a garage job I think it came out pretty good. There's a little bit of trash in the clear that's easily wet sanded out in spots. I shot a blend on both the right side of the bumper and the bottom of the quarter panel. The quarter is blended over top the wheel arch and the clear is blended near the top of the sail panel. Bumper is blended about where it says Pontiac and fully cleared. I didn't want to get into a full repaint with a small compressor and a house garage. The 23 year old paint on the car buffs up quite well and seems to match pretty good. Place where I got the paint took the 81U code then scanned my fuel cap door and made adjustments. He got it pretty close. I can't believe how much a paint job is these days.








]]> Body EDGE https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794770-my-garage-paint-job.html Manually open hatch https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794753-manually-open-hatch.html Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:52:34 GMT I found a rear spoiler and taillights at a salvage yard. We hooked up a jump pack to the car and tried the hatch release but no luck. No keys either. What is an easy way to get it to open? Don’t... I found a rear spoiler and taillights at a salvage yard. We hooked up a jump pack to the car and tried the hatch release but no luck. No keys either. What is an easy way to get it to open? Don’t care if the panel inside is ruined or the hatch lock
Thanks in advance,
Dan ]]> Body DigitalDan3 https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body/794753-manually-open-hatch.html